BS 3900-A6

Introducing BS 3900-A6 – Industrial Physics

BS 3900-A6 is part of a national BSI set of paint testing methods that will help you to measure the flow time of paints and varnishes using viscosity cups.  

The British Standards (BS) are the testing standards produced by the BSI Group, which is incorporated under a royal charter, formally designated as the national standards body (NSB) for the UK.  

BS 3900-A6 describes a ‘break-point’ method using viscosity cups, which are also known as flow cups. The BS testing method also describes a procedure for calibrating these cups.  

Be sure to check out some of the other 32 paint testing methods included in BS 3900 here. These paint testing standards cover everything from hardness to humidity resistance and opacity testing.  

When is viscosity testing useful?

Measuring the viscosity of a sample lets you know how much force is required to move it. This lets you know how resistant it is to flow – information that is useful in a variety of applications. 

You can use viscosity testing to understand how the ink on a piece of packaging, to see how likely to run or be smudged during shipping. Viscosity testing can also be used to work out whether sauce will pour from a bottle at the required speed. 

Measuring the viscosity of inks and coatings that are used to coat industrial machinery or car parts can also have huge safety and efficiency ramifications, as the integrity of a coating can affect the smooth running of machinery. 

Industrial Physics’ paint testing devices  

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your BS 3900-A6 viscosity testing? 

TQC Sheen BS Viscosity Cups (401) 

The BS Viscosity Cup range of anodised aluminum viscosity cups feature an integral nozzle. They’re suited for measuring paints, lacquers and other fluids. For optimum performance it’s recommended to use the viscosity cups within a flow time range of 30 – 100 seconds. 

Be sure to check out our full range of viscosity testing solutions. 

Need reliable viscosity testing solutions? Get in touch  

We’ve learnt a thing or two about paint testing over the decades. Now Industrial Physics is recognized as a brand that likes to bring new, innovative viscosity testing equipment to market.  

We like to share our knowledge and we’re here to help you to answer your questions about viscosity testing. Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects. For example, there’s our advice on how to measure viscosity. We also hope that you find our viscosity calculator and viscosity conversion table helpful.  

If you have any questions about the BS 3900 set of standards, or how we can help you with other aspects of your paint testing, then just get in touch!

Contact us – Industrial Physics 

Your global test and measurement partner for BS 3900-A6